Save the fireworks - find a bucket & donate

DONATION stations to help save Henley’s annual summer fireworks have been set up around the town

DONATION stations to help save Henley’s annual summer fireworks have been set up around the town.

Buckets have been left at Gabriel Machin butchers in Market Place, the Bull pub in Bell Street, the Angel on the Bridge pub and the town hall.

The volunteer committee, which includes Deputy Mayor Will Hamilton, has so far raised about a third of the £10,000 needed to save this year’s display,

Henley Royal Regatta has pledged £1,500, while two people have donated £1,000 and £300 respectively. A further £259 was raised at the mayor-making ceremony. Councillor Hamilton said: “We are talking to Phyllis Court and Leander Club, all the places along the river that would benefit from it.

“I am using my role to help drive the fund-raising along with Lady McAlpine and Richard Reed.”

He said the town council’s finance committee would consider giving a grant but it wouldn’t be as much as the £8,000 donated previously.

Last month, Billy Pinches, who has staged the event on his land at Meadows Farm since 2010, announced this year’s display would not take place because he is selling the land and moving away.